Riders of four-wheel quad and all-terrain bikes are now required by law to wear a helmet when travelling on the public road network.

The Motor Cycles (Protective Headgear) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999, which mandates the wearing of helmets for those who ride motorcycles, has been extended to those who ride motor quadricycles (quad bikes).

Those found in breach of the law can be fined up to £500, according to the Department of Infrastructure.

The Department for Infrastructure does not have the powers to legislate for private land.

Stark figures

Stark figures provided by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) show that between 2006 and 2016, five people were killed and 71 injured while riding on a quad bike on a public road.

The PSNI does not collate data on collisions that occur on private roads.

Getting a helmet

By law in the UK, you must wear a safety helmet when riding a motorcycle or quad bike on the road. All helmets sold in the UK must either:

  • Comply with British Standard BS 6658:1985 and carry the BSI Kitemark.
  • Comply with UNECE Regulation 22.05.
  • Comply with any standard accepted by a member of the European Economic Area, which offers a level of safety and protection equivalent to BS 6658:1985 and carry a mark equivalent to the BSI Kitemark.
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